During the winter, life can feel a little more difficult. The constant darkness and bad weather can have a detrimental effect on our moods, and often we can feel a little gloomy. If you are battling the winter blues, you are far from alone – here are some things that you can do to help you through this depressing season and even to help you embrace it!
Speak to a Professional – If you are really feeling down and depressed, then you should seek help for this, as it can get worse. A professional counsellor will be able to help you deal with these feelings and understand them. They can also give you the tools to use in the future so that you can recognise these feelings and overcome them. Look for a counsellor in your local area or visit your doctor who will be able to refer you.
Get a New Hobby – Having a hobby that you can immerse yourself in can really help you. There are lots of things that you can do during the winter – from something creative like knitting (have a look online for a knitting kit and tutorials to help you get started), to something that can be useful in future such as learning a new language. Have a look for groups and courses in your local area that you could go to – you could even make some new friends.
Embrace the Natural World – Rather than resisting the season, why not get out and embrace it? Going for a walk in the countryside is a great way to experience the beauty of the natural world at this time of the year. You could also collect items for craft projects like pinecones, and with St Brigid’s day coming up, why not collect some reeds and have a go at making a St Brigid’s cross?
Plan Something to Look Forward to – If you are feeling stuck in a rut, then remembering that this will pass is a good thing to do. Plan days out or a holiday that you can focus on looking forward to and preparing for. See if there are events in your area that you can go to. Having lots of things to look forward to is a great way to beat the winter blues.